The transfer of customers out of KBC and Ulster Bank expanded the balance sheets of the three existing banks without the trio having to try very hard. It wouldn’t exactly take a genius to generate profits in such an environment

While our media and political classes are going into convulsions, the real problems and issues facing the economy are not getting anything like the attention that they deserve.

A re-evaluation is underway of whether central banks, including the European Central Bank, will aggressively cut rates this year, writes Jim Power

The central scenario seems to be that inflationary pressures will continue to gradually ease, but it is unlikely to be a smooth path as tight labour markets continue to pressurise services sector inflation

'Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. These are all terms that could certainly describe the year just past'

The risk is that tax increases could just injure the goose that lays the golden egg

Joe Biden won't get much credit for the buoyant US economy. His Irish counterparts face a similar fate — especially amid the continuing crime and housing crises 

I have believed for a long time a State-owned bank that supports small firms and start-ups is essential

The past week in Ireland was dominated by two events: The pressure from the Government on retailers to cut grocery prices and the announcement of the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to deal with projected budget surpluses.

There will always be the temptation to waste money — that is always a risk when the coffers are overflowing